Syed Jibran and the struggles that went unseen 

In the bustling world of Pakistani entertainment, Syed Jibran emerges not just as a fine actor but as a storyteller of his own life, replete with humor, dedication, and a generous sprinkle of parathas. In a recent interview, Daraar actor opened up about his fitness journey, the start of his acting career, and the challenges he faced along the way.

 "I didn't like to go to the gym, so I planned to make videos to excite myself daily," he revealed. These videos not only became his motivation but also a source of amusement when one comment inadvertently referred to him as 'far' instead of 'fat.' 

Delving into his diet, Jibran disclosed, "Whenever I do a project that demands physical fitness, I go on a particular diet plan." However, the actor confessed that once the project concludes, he joyfully returns to his beloved parathas. "I have two parathas and eggs every Sunday. If someone asks me to stay on a diet for the rest of my life, I would have smashed that person's face."

The conversation shifted gears as the host probed into the genesis of Jibran's acting career. Flashing back to his medical school days, Jibran reminisced, "I was doing MBBS, and my friend thought I'd be a gynecologist." Yet, fate had other plans. He recalled a humorous incident during surgery assistance where two female doctors discussed lawn clothes during a cesarean, leaving him anxious about potential errors.

The moment that catapulted him into the world of acting came from a bet. "I made a bet of a hundred rupees with a friend that I would come on television." This seemingly casual wager ignited a relentless pursuit of opportunities. Jibran candidly shared his initiation tactics, from begging Laila Zuberi at the airport to approaching Shahzad Gul for work on television.

Reflecting on his early struggles, Jibran acknowledged the role of Dr. Wasim, a teacher who wrote dramas, in shaping his path. "My father, retired Colonel Dr. Syed Muqadar Shah, was a renowned cancer specialist in Rawalpindi." Jibran's perseverance led him to late Touqeer Shah, a producer at PTV, who offered him a role in a play written by Dr. Wasim. This marked the beginning, and Jibran emphasised the unpredictability of success, advising aspiring actors to give their best in every scene.

As the conversation flowed, Jibran shared insights into the dynamics of the industry. "For a successful hero, you need fitness. Now, both things are needed in a package." He acknowledged the evolving role of villains, stating, "Now, the villain is so powerful in a story that instead of a hero, he pushes the story forward."

Jibran's wisdom extended to the challenges of the lowest phases in life, "When you are at the lowest phase of your life, you are most vulnerable to give up. It is when Allah is planning the greatest story for you." Recalling 2013, a year when he faced a dearth of lead roles, he emphasised the importance of faith and consistency.

Addressing the luxuries of the industry, Jibran expressed his views on award shows. "People make millions of rupees from an award show by selling faces of popular celebrities. That's why I asked for money because of this reason, and people started to not invite me." He said that once he was nominated for an award, but he did not even get an invite for that show. That is how all award functions have become a joke to him. He stressed the power of persistence by sharing, "Twice, I was at the verge of leaving the industry, but then I didn't go, and the best things happened." His journey encapsulated the essence of weathering storms and emerging stronger on the other side.

His candidness extended to a specific instance where he was nominated for Chup Raho, a performance he believed deserved recognition. However, the award eluded him, adding a touch of irony to an otherwise illustrious career.

Jibran's personal life unfolded with anecdotes of his wife's enthusiasm for award ceremonies. "One who can convince his wife should be the president of his country. No one else should." His admission of stage fright and discomfort facing a large audience revealed a vulnerable side behind the confident actor seen on screen.

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